On February 25, 2026, a regular meeting of the Coordination Committee of the Swiss Programme «Harnessing the Potential of Migration in the Republic of Moldova» (Phase III) was held. The programme focuses on improving the quality of life of citizens of the Republic of Moldova and strengthening the contribution of the diaspora to the country’s sustainable development.
The programme is being implemented from June 2023 through December 2026 with the support of the Swiss Cooperation Office, in partnership with the State Chancellery through the Diaspora Relations Bureau, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Moldova, and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Moldova.
2025 Results in Diaspora Engagement and Migration Governance
The meeting brought together representatives of relevant public authorities and international development partners to review progress achieved in 2025 in the areas of diaspora engagement, migration governance, and development policy.
Key achievements included:
● The implementation of effective cooperation mechanisms between diaspora members and public authorities;
● The strengthening of the national network of «Diaspora, Migration and Development» coordination centers;
● Enhanced support for the return and reintegration of citizens of the Republic of Moldova;
● The implementation of local development initiatives contributing to job creation and the modernization of public services.
Daniel Rotaru, State Secretary of the Government, emphasized that policies supporting the voluntary return of citizens remain one of the country’s strategic priorities. He noted that the Government is currently developing a consolidated support framework for citizens wishing to return to the Republic of Moldova, with the objective of ensuring that the process is predictable, accessible, and efficient.
Continued Support from International Partners
Guido Beltrani, Director of the Swiss Cooperation Office, reaffirmed the commitment of the Swiss Government to further support cooperation between state institutions and the diaspora, as well as to strengthen institutional capacity in migration management.
Seher Ariner, Deputy Resident Representative of the United Nations Development Programme in Moldova, highlighted that UNDP continues to promote the effective mobilization of migration potential, local community development, and the creation of sustainable opportunities for return and reintegration. Since 2019, more than USD 6.3 million has been mobilized under related initiatives to implement over 140 local projects, contributing to the creation of more than 670 jobs.
Aliona Cristei, Programme Analyst on Population and Development at the United Nations Population Fund in Moldova, underlined the importance of integrating demographic forecasts and statistical data into public policy design in order to support evidence-based decision-making and advance the European integration path of the Republic of Moldova.
Strategic Priorities for 2026
For 2026, the Swiss Programme on migration in the Republic of Moldova sets the following priorities:
● Strengthening the institutional capacity of «Diaspora, Migration and Development» coordination centers;
● Implementing a mentorship programme for 10 local public authorities to improve return and reintegration services;
● Developing a comprehensive Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework in the field of migration and development;
● Organizing the second online job fair for members of the diaspora;
● Supporting voluntary amalgamation processes of administrative-territorial units based on demographic data and long-term development planning.
At the conclusion of the meeting, members of the Coordination Committee approved the action plan for 2026 and reaffirmed their shared commitment to achieving the programme’s objectives and promoting sustainable development in the Republic of Moldova.
The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Moldova in Dnipro continues to support initiatives aimed at strengthening ties with the diaspora, enhancing international cooperation, and advancing the sustainable and European future of the Republic of Moldova.
